The Ayurvedic Perspective on Aging

Ayurveda is a longevity science. Age is said to be a natural process of change, which has predictable effects on the body and mind. Longevity practices, a restorative diet and medicines can be applied to support the body through changes of aging.

The field of Ayurveda is constantly evolving and gifted teachers continue to apply the science to women’s health, and recently to menopause symptoms. When viewed inside the context of  lifestyle, climate, and stress levels, ayurvedic medicine can certainly also be applied.

What We Need More of as We Age 

Ayurveda recommends a class of foods and medicines called rasayana, which support juiciness and builds deep tissues like bones and nerves. Coupled with supporting digestive strength and metabolic fires, these foods are the basis of a longevity regimen. In addition, the application of warm oil to the skin regularly is said to “ward off old age” and is a large part of ayurvedic practice for aging.

What We Need Less of Overall

Less stress over the small stuff— make more space for contemplation, spirituality, and enjoyment. Processed foods (which require energy to digest, but give little) are also something to reduce in favor of whole foods.

Managing Change 

Staying focused on what we want, whether that’s good digestion, sleep, libido, or all of the above, is key. Keeping the mind on the goal in a world where we are often pulled in many directions holds our healing energies close to home. The older we get, the more important it is to direct our energies towards that which is important to us, and reduce the other stuff. This is a philosophical journey and a non-negotiable aspect of aging well.

Learn more: healwithkate.org

makes one 4-oz serving

Imbuing milk with the energy of moonlight makes a targeted tonic for reducing excess heat and supporting reproductive tissue. Silver’s luminescence aligns with the moon, and using a silver vessel, if you can, provides added shakti. Natural, organic cow’s milk is the favored option if you have access to a trusted dairy. If this is not available, use Almond Milk or Coconut Milk.

• 4 oz natural cow’s milk (or homemade plant milk)
• pinch of ground cardamom
• 3–5 dried rose petals

Pour the milk into a silver vessel, if you have one. If you don’t have something made of silver, use clear glass. Stir in the cardamom, and crush a few dried rose petals into the milk.

Place the vessel in direct moonlight for a few hours. You should be able to see the moon’s reflection on the surface of the milk.

This can be taken at night if the moon rises early enough. Or wait until morning and gently warm the mixture, but do not expose it to the sun. Slowly drink the Moon Milk while sitting down and doing nothing else. Visualize the tonic entering your generative tissues.

makes 1 quart

I asked Brighid Doherty, founder of Solidago School of Herbalism, if she had a

most-recommended recipe for hot flashes. This was it! This infusion is composed of dried rose petals and sage leaves. Rose petals are energetically cooling and nourishing to women’s reproductive and nervous systems. They taste floral and divine. Sage leaves are cooling and drying. Sage is an astringent herb that is known to dry body secretions from sweat to breast milk, making it ideal for counteracting hot flashes and high pitta.

This tisane can be enjoyed in the evening before bed to cool night sweats or sipped throughout the day from a water bottle to help cool hot flashes. It’s most potent when made fresh daily,

but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. To make a cooling face or body spritz, soak a washcloth with the tisane and rub it over the body, especially during night sweats, hot flashes, or reddening of the skin. Fill a spray bottle with the tisane and mist it on the face for cooling on the go.

• 2 tbsp dried rose petals
• 2 tbsp dried sage leaves
• 1 qt boiling water

Place the herbs in a 1-qt mason jar or 4-cup teapot. Fill the jar or teapot with boiling water, and steep for 20 minutes.

Use a wire mesh tea strainer to strain the tisane into another jar. Enjoy it hot by the mugful or iced by the glassful, or carry it with you in a thermos—either hot or iced, depending on your preference—throughout the day. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days in a mason jar with a tight lid.

Working therapeutically with herbs for women’s health is surprisingly effective. I have witnessed herbal therapies heal all manner of imbalances—and been healed myself. Many people have affinities with certain plants. Once you discover the ones that work for you, the relationship between self and plant only grows stronger. Keep in mind that herbs are precious resources, and use them judiciously. Do not overbuy and waste them or let them languish. Start small, buy half a pound at most, and establish a consistent herbal practice before procuring more.